Châu Ngọc Quang (right) has scored two goals in two matches for the HAGL in the V.League 1 2024-25. — Photo plo.vn

Football

HÀ NỘI — After two matches in the V.League 1 Hoàng Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) have surprisingly taken the lead in the rankings with six points, six goals and no losses, despite a squad lacking any star players.

It is the best start to the season for HAGL since 2015.

Even without any stand out names, students from the HAGL-JMG football academy have made their mark, flourishing under coach Park Hang-seo, showing a strong desire to win, driven by the enthusiasm of the talented young players.

The overall rejuvenation of HAGL's core has yielded positive results this season, earning praise from experts for their professionalism.

HAGL now boast several players who have represented various national teams, including Minh Vương, Ngọc Quang, Văn Sơn, Quang Nho, Quốc Việt and Trung Kiên. This blend of experience and youthful energy also helped HAGL win two consecutive victories at the start of the new season.

Currently technical director Vũ Tiến Thành is revitalising HAGL’s reputation and their youth training centre. With the confidence of Chairman Đoàn Nguyên Đức, Thành has been promoting young players to the senior team, regularly giving them opportunities in the national premiere league. Although his approach faced criticism from football fans, due to a decline in the team’s performance, Thành believes HAGL are being rebuilt in the right direction, gradually rekindling its identity and motivation for high achievements.

The victories in the opening matches of V.League 1 have helped HAGL regain trust and instill hope in home fans after several seasons of merely worrying about league survival. Under coach Kiatisuk Senamuang, HAGL very nearly clinched the 2021 V.League 1 championship, only to see the season cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, the team have struggled to compete for the top spots in domestic tournaments.

In the opening match of this season, Trần Gia Bảo made headlines by becoming the youngest player (at 16 years old) to play and score. Meanwhile, Trần Bảo Toàn (24 years old) topped the assist list with three accurate passes and Châu Ngọc Quang (28 years old) entered the top scorer list with two goals. All of these players are products of HAGL’s training programmes.

HAGL's foreign players are spread evenly across the lines. — Photo plo.vn

Strategic foreign player recruitment

In addition to the homegrown talent, HAGL have enhanced their squad with quality foreign players, who bring to the ground a higher level of professional experience. The team are showcasing a dynamic style of play with effective attacking strategies, attributed to the contributions of foreign players like Jairo Rodrigues in defence, Marciel Silva da Silva in midfield and striker Jeferson Elias.

Silva, who is playing in the V.League 1 for the first time, quickly adapted and secured a starting position in the HAGL lineup. His agility, keen vision and sharp finishing have made him a key player, with two goals and one assist in the first two matches.

"HAGL are leveraging their youth by emphasising attacking play on the flanks and using players with excellent acceleration such as Bảo Toàn, Văn Sơn, and Du Học. However, to maintain stable performance, the coaching staff must adapt the squad as needed and players should manage their stamina to avoid injuries," coach Phạm Minh Đức said. — VNS